The Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony Alpha A6000 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2018 and February 2014. Both the X-A5 and the A6000 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels. Show Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.  Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony Alpha A6000? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparisonAn illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony A6000 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter. The X-A5 can be obtained in three different colors (silver, brown, pink), while the A6000 is also available in three color-versions, but different ones (black, silver, white). If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A6000 is somewhat larger (1 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A5. However, the A6000 is markedly lighter (5 percent) than the X-A5. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-A5 nor the A6000 are weather-sealed. The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Yet, since both cameras are based around an APS-C sensor, their respective lenses will tend to have similar dimensions and heft. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-A5) and the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog (A6000). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters. Concerning battery life, the X-A5 gets 450 shots out of its NP-W126S battery, while the A6000 can take 360 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling. The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there. Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X-A5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 33 percent) than the A6000, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparisonThe size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider , and richer than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses. Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the A6000 is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2. Even though the X-A5 has a slightly larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the X-A5 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a of 3.92μm versus 3.91μm for the A6000), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the X-A5 is much more recent (by 3 years and 11 months) than the A6000, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time. The Fujifilm X-A5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 200-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A6000 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200. Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras. Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras. Sensor Characteristics # Camera Model Sensor Class Resolution (MP) Horiz. Pixels Vert. Pixels Video Format DXO Portrait DXO Landscape DXO Sports DXO Overall 1. Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.31800822. Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.11347823. Fujifilm X-T200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.61991844. Fujifilm X-T30 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.51895835. Fujifilm X-A7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.61955846. Fujifilm X-T100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.41829837. Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.31764828. Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.21704819. Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.116648110. Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.216918111. Fujifilm X-A2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.612.815157912. Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.418518313. Sony A6300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.413.714378514. Sony A5000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.813.010897915. Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.713478016. Sony A3000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.712.810687817. Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068 Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the X-A5 provides a higher video resolution than the A6000. It can shoot video footage at 4K/15p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60p.
Feature comparisonApart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A6000 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-A5 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-A5, the Sony A6000, and comparable cameras. Core Features # Camera Model Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) Control Panel (yes/no) LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) LCD Attach- ment Touch Screen (yes/no) Max Shutter Speed * Max Shutter Flaps * Built-in Flash (yes/no) Built-in Image Stab 1. Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 2. Sony A60001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n 3. Fujifilm X-T2002360 n3.5 / 2780 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n 4. Fujifilm X-T302360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n 5. Fujifilm X-A7none n3.5 / 2760 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 6. Fujifilm X-T1002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 7. Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n 8. Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n 9. Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 10. Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 11. Fujifilm X-A2none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n 12. Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 13. Sony A63002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n 14. Sony A5000none n3.0 / 461 tilting n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n 15. Sony A5100none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 16. Sony A3000202 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n 17. Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The X-A5 has a touchscreen, while the A6000 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point. The X-A5 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A6000 does not have a selfie-screen. The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-A5 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of ) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of ). The Fujifilm X-A5 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software. The X-A5 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A6000 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.
Connectivity comparisonFor some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-A5 and Sony Alpha A6000 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer. Input-Output Connections # Camera Model Hotshoe Port Internal Mic / Speaker Microphone Port Headphone Port HDMI Port USB Port WiFi Support NFC Support Bluetooth Support 1. Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 2. Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 3. Fujifilm X-T200Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y 4. Fujifilm X-T30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y 5. Fujifilm X-A7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 6. Fujifilm X-T100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 7. Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 8. Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-- 9. Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-- 10. Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-- 11. Fujifilm X-A2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y-- 12. Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y 13. Sony A6300Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY- 14. Sony A5000-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 15. Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 16. Sony A3000Ystereo / mono--mini2.0- 17. Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0-
It is notable that the X-A5 has a microphone port, which is missing on the A6000. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used. Both the X-A5 and the A6000 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A6000 was replaced by the Sony A6300, while the X-A5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X-A5 and A6000 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-A5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A6000 Manual.
Review summarySo how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-A5 or the Sony A6000 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants. Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-A5:
Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A6000:
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X-A5 is the clear winner of the match-up (11 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one. X-A5 11:04 A6000 How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-A5 and the Sony A6000 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop. In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-A5 or the A6000 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. Expert reviewsThis is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice. The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts. Other camera comparisonsDid this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
Specifications: Fujifilm X-A5 vs Sony A6000Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features. |
